Italian adventures await: Donors expand opportunities abroad for students and faculty

Italy is a second home to Mary Puma and Eivind Lange III ’77, who have visited there for over 40 years and built a family residence in the Umbria region. Their lifelong love of the country inspired them to give $1 million to support engagement and research programs in Italy for UC Davis students and faculty.   

“We want to give UC Davis overall a chance to get more involved with Italy,” said Lange. “Increasing the international exposure of students helps them to not only get their degree, but to experience another part of the world.”

The endowment, plus an additional $50,000 for immediate use, will support programs offered through Global Affairs in Italy—including scholarships for students to study abroad and participate in experiential learning and internships, and seed grants for faculty to conduct innovative research.

“Mary Puma and Eivind Lange’s support will help UC Davis offer even more global opportunities that are accessible, affordable, inclusive and relevant to our students and communities,” said Joanna Regulska, vice provost and dean of Global Affairs. 

“We are deeply grateful for their generosity and are excited to expand our partnerships in Italy. I know our students will love new programming and support to further engage their global learning opportunities.”

Inspired by family and young travels

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Experiencing new places is key for young adults, said Puma, who did an immersive semester abroad in Italy during college. Lange first visited Europe during a family trip the summer after he graduated from high school. 

These early experiences set in motion a lasting connection with the country that inspired them to give today’s students the same opportunities. 

“We have appreciated the ability to travel the world and meet new people. We hope students and faculty can have the same opportunities, and, in particular, fall in love with Italy too,” said Lange.

Puma’s grandparents immigrated to the U.S. from Italy without a formal education and worked hard to give their children more opportunities.
 
That’s part of the reason why Puma and Lange are passionate about paying it forward and giving today’s students—especially those who are the first in their families to attend college—the same chance at a world-class education. 

“It’s exciting to see how many first-generation students are at UC Davis. All of the students are enthusiastic to be there and it’s the same great environment as when I went,” said Lange.

Puma is the former president and CEO of Axcelis Technologies, and Lange has served as president of Paradigm Sports for thirty years. The couple met at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan while earning their graduate degrees and they now reside in New Hampshire.
 
Today, the philanthropists prioritize giving to student support, plus health care and initiatives that support diversity, equity and inclusion. In 2015, they established fellowships for UC Davis graduate students to conduct research in Santiago, Chile. 

 When in Italy, the couple enjoys spending time with family and friends at their home in Umbria in the mountains overlooking Lago Trasimeno, the fourth-largest lake in the country, and trying local food and wine.

“The lifestyle is very different in Italy. There is a lot to learn from a more relaxed life that is centered around food, family and friends,” said Puma. 

Part of Expect Greater

Their gift to Global Affairs supports UC Davis’ comprehensive fundraising campaign, Expect Greater: From UC Davis, For the World, the largest philanthropic endeavor in university history. Together, donors and UC Davis have advanced work to prepare future leaders, sustain healthier communities, and bring innovative solutions to today's most urgent challenges.

Lange reconnected with UC Davis during the Expect Greater campaign, representing the Boston regional committee and serving as a trustee of the UC Davis Foundation’s Global Campaign Leadership Council for seven years. He is also a member of the Global Affairs Advisory Council.
 
As an alum and volunteer, Lange has seen the campaign’s impact firsthand.

“I’ve gotten to see all the exciting things that were going on with the university and wanted to make sure I made a gift to the campaign before I stepped off the Foundation board,” he said.